Stakeholder update on the future of Healthwatch Liverpool
What we know
As you may have seen reported in recent months, the publication of the Dash Review of Patient Safety across Health and Social Care included the recommendations to:
- Transfer the functions of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health, and
- Transfer the functions of local Healthwatch into Integrated Care Boards and local authorities.
The Government has said that it accepts this recommendation and will pass legislation to enable it as part of the NHS 10 year plan when time allows.
Put simply, this means that Healthwatch Liverpool and our fellow local Healthwatch would no longer exist as an independent voice for health and social care users in England if the legislation is enacted.
What we’re doing
The important thing to know at present is that we’re still here! These changes would happen over time.
This means we are still here, open, and working for you.
We continue to:
- Listen to your experiences of health and social care.
- Share what we hear with those in power to help improve services.
- Provide advice and information to help you find the support you need.
We will carry on our important programme of activities into 2026 and for as long as local Healthwatch exists. You can read about our recent impact and achievements in our recently published Annual Report.
How you can support our work
We very much appreciate the messages of support that we have received since this news was published at the end of June. We are pleased to know that the work we do is valued by our partners and the people whose voices we represent.
There is a national petition which has been launched calling on the government to review the decision to abolish local Healthwatch – you can read more and sign it here. Please share it with anyone else who would like to support the independent patient champion.
The most important way you can support our work is to keep encouraging everyone in Liverpool to share their stories of health and social care with us. We know the power of sharing patient stories and the impact that they can have in improving services for everyone. We’ll keep speaking up for people in Liverpool for as long as we have the privilege to be allowed to do so.
What’s next?
We will keep you updated about developments and any future arrangements for hearing patient feedback in future as details emerge.
